Warren Gatland admits South Africa Test meeting a 'balancing act'
Thursday 30 November 2017 19:08, UK
Warren Gatland has described Wales' decision to play a fourth Test outside the international release window as a "balancing act" ahead of Saturday's encounter with South Africa.
The meeting with the Springboks will see an injury-hit Wales, who are seeking a third successive home victory over South Africa, face a further autumn international compared to their Six Nations rivals.
New Zealand-born Hadleigh Parkes is one of five changes Gatland has made to the team which lost to New Zealand last weekend.
"It's a balancing act," admitted Gatland. "The fourth international generates a lot of money and we have got to be aware of that.
"Part of the (Welsh rugby) union's responsibility is helping to fund the regions, contracts for the players, the community game. We're aware of that."
Gatland said it was important for his side to focus on the positives that come with hosting an extra international fixture.
"For us, it's an opportunity to play against the best teams in the world. I have always been a strong believer that the only way you get better is by playing against the best players and teams," said the Kiwi.
However, Gatland acknowledged that the schedule of matches had been "a bit of a challenge" given the injury absences of Sam Warburton and winger George North before the autumn series began.
"It has been hard," said Gatland, with his side boasting just eight players from the starting line-up beaten by Australia earlier this month.
"I think we've had 11 injuries, or something like that, in this campaign. It has been tough from a playing perspective.
"We haven't done anything differently, but unfortunately we've picked up quite a few injuries. I think we are down to about 25 from the original squad (of 36) we selected. It's been a bit of a challenge."
Meanwhile, Gatland's counterpart Allister Coetzee believes the match offered invaluable game time to up-and-coming squad members and the chance to impress.
"In some ways, it's a massive positive for us. Outside the window, you're losing players. But you need to give players a chance to play," Coetzee said.
"It's impossible not to give players enough tests before the next World Cup. Therefore it has a place outside the window, but not necessarily against top unions, Home Nations, maybe a Tier Two nation would have been ideal, but the fact there is exposure for some players at international level is definitely relevant."
